The notes I handle no better than many pianists. But the pauses between the notes - ah, that is where the art resides.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Technical skill is common; artistic value lies in the silence between notes.
- In plain terms
- Many can play notes well; art is in the pauses.
- What can you take from it?
- Value the spaces as much as the sounds.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What is the role of silence in art?
- How do you measure skill?
Another view
Silence is difficult to master and appreciate.
More from Artur Schnabel
Applause is a receipt, not a note of demand.
Permalink to quote #1 I am attracted only to music which I consider to be better than it can be performed. Therefore I feel (rightly or wrongly) that unless a piece of music present…
Permalink to quote #3 Children are given Mozart because of the small quantity of the notes; grown-ups avoid Mozart because of the great quality of the notes.
Permalink to quote #4
Related quotes
'When he performs, it sounds as if the world has stopped at 2 A.M.' - Dinah Shore
Tom WaitsTom Waits quote #31 Music isn't enough. Performers aren't enough. There must be someone that loves music as much as life. For you, and remember this always, those of us with somet…
William KapellWilliam Kapell quote #1 'I merely leap and pause.'
Vaslav NijinskyVaslav Nijinsky quote #1